Safe Cleaning for Kids & Pets: What to Use (And What to Avoid)

If you’re a parent, pet owner, or any one who is waking up to the toxic reality of many of the readily available brands out there - Then you already know. And keeping a clean home is important… but not at the expense of your family's health.

That lemony fresh scent after mopping? It might actually be a harsh chemical cocktail. The sparkling countertops? They could be coated in residues that irritate little paws, lungs, or skin.

So how do you balance a sparkling clean home with safety for your most vulnerable family members?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Cleaning Product Unsafe for Kids or Pets?

Many conventional products contain ingredients that get the job done—but come with side effects. Some of the most concerning include:

◾ Ammonia – Found in glass and floor cleaners. Fumes can irritate eyes and lungs.
◾ Bleach – While effective, it's highly toxic if ingested and irritating to skin, eyes, and lungs.
◾ Phthalates – Often used in synthetic fragrance. Linked to hormone disruption, and liver issues.
◾ Formaldehyde – A preservative used in some air fresheners and cleaners. Known carcinogen.
◾ Quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) – Common in disinfectants. Can trigger asthma.

For adults, these might be manageable in small doses. But for kids and pets, the risk is much higher. Their developing systems and frequent floor contact mean they’re far more exposed.

Safer Alternatives That Still Work

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to maintain a truly clean home. There are safe, effective options that get the job done without compromising your family’s health:

◾ White Vinegar + Water – Great for windows, mirrors, and general surface cleaning.
◾ Baking Soda – Perfect for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and deodorizing.
◾ Castile Soap – A plant-based cleaner for multiple surfaces.
◾ Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) – Effective disinfectant, less harsh than bleach.
◾ Essential Oils (used cautiously) – Tea tree, lemon, and lavender have antimicrobial properties. But always research pet-safe options (tea tree is toxic to cats/dogs in high doses).

Bonus: Most of these smell clean without masking odors with artificial fragrances.

Our Promise: Non-Toxic, Family-Safe Cleaning

At Crown Cleaning Solutions, we use a curated selection of eco-friendly, non-toxic products that are safe for:

◾ Curious toddlers who crawl and chew on everything
◾ Four-legged friends who nap on the floor and lick everything
◾ Allergy-prone adults who react to harsh chemicals and fragrences

We never use:

◾ Bleach (Except  for cleaning drains in some of our homes!)
◾ Ammonia-based sprays
◾ Heavy synthetic fragrances

Instead, we clean with intention—choosing products that deliver results without harsh side effects.

Because you shouldn’t have to choose between a clean home and a safe one.

What to Look for on Labels

Whether you DIY or buy store-bought solutions, here’s what to check:

Avoid:

◾ "Fragrance" or "parfum"
◾ Warnings like "hazardous to humans and domestic animals"
◾ Ingredients lists you can’t pronounce

Look for:

◾ Third-party certifications like EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, or ECOLOGO
◾ Full ingredient transparency
◾ Plant-based or biodegradable formulas

Pro tip: Just because something says “green” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic. Marketing can be misleading. Read the fine print.

Safe Doesn’t Mean Less Effective

A common myth is that green or non-toxic products aren’t as powerful.

But here’s the truth: It’s not about power—it’s about process.

You don’t need toxic sludge to get sparkling results. With the right techniques, dwell times, and consistent cleaning habits, safer products absolutely do the job.

And bonus? Your home doesn't just smell fresh, it feels healthy—without the lingering sting of chemicals.

Want to See the Difference?

We serve Moore County families who want a cleaner home without sacrificing safety.

Every cleaning visit includes:

◾ Consistent care from the same technician
◾ Transparent products you can feel good about
◾ Customizable upgrades for deeper sanitation (like inside fridge or pet zones)

Whether you're booking weekly or biweekly visits, we make it easy to maintain a clean, kid- and pet-safe space.